Signs of the Times

Signs of the Times

Introduction (Isaiah 5:20)
We live in troubling days. Many voices call evil good and good evil. God’s word still lights the path of life. Tonight we will consider three clear signs of drifting from God and hear His call to return with humility, obedience, and hope.

A Low View of Human Life
From conception, God knows and forms the child in the womb. David praises God for being “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:13–16). God appointed Jeremiah before birth (Jeremiah 1:4–5). John is called a “babe” in Elizabeth’s womb (Luke 1:39–44). God condemns shedding innocent blood (Proverbs 6:16–17). Laws may change, but divine truth endures. When life is treated as expendable, a nation sears its conscience. The church must teach, protect, support mothers and fathers, and hold forth the gospel that heals consciences and restores hope in Christ.

The Acceptance of Homosexuality
Cultural approval rises where Scripture warns. Paul describes the descent of a society that refuses to honor the Creator: thinking becomes futile, passions are dishonorable, and practices are contrary to nature (Romans 1:21–28, 32). Yet the gospel transforms sinners of every background; the Corinthians were “washed…sanctified…justified” (1 Corinthians 6:9–11). Christians speak truth with compassion, pointing every heart to forgiveness and new life in Jesus.

The Crisis of the Family
God designed the home. From the beginning He joined husband and wife in covenant union (Genesis 2:20–24; Matthew 19:4–6). Marriage is a sacred bond and a lifelong pledge (Malachi 2:14; Proverbs 2:17). Homes flourish where Christ rules the heart, love serves, vows are honored, and children are nurtured in truth. Strong families bless the church and strengthen communities.

Signs of the Times Sermon Outline:

• I. A Low View of Human Life

  • God forms life in the womb (Psalm 139:13–16; Jeremiah 1:4–5).

  • The unborn are persons before birth (Luke 1:39–44).

  • God hates innocent bloodshed (Proverbs 6:16–17).

  • The church’s response: teach, support, defend, proclaim Christ.

• II. The Acceptance of Homosexuality

  • Cultural celebration contrasted with Scripture’s warning (Romans 1:21–28, 32).

  • The gospel changes lives; holiness is possible (1 Corinthians 6:9–11).

  • Speak truth with grace; call all people to Christ.

• III. The Crisis of the Family

  • God’s blueprint for marriage and oneness (Genesis 2:20–24; Matthew 19:4–6).

  • Covenant faithfulness strengthens homes (Malachi 2:14; Proverbs 2:17).

  • Practical obedience: honor vows, practice love, disciple children.

Call to Action
Return to the Lord with a whole heart. Honor every human life. Uphold biblical holiness. Strengthen your home by submitting to God’s word. Pray for courage to speak with grace, serve with compassion, and live as lights so that Christ is seen and souls are saved.

Key Takeaways

• Human life is sacred from conception (Psalm 139:13–16; Jeremiah 1:5).

• God calls people from every sin into new life through Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11).

• Marriage is God’s covenant gift and must be honored (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:6).

• Christians must hold truth and love together (Ephesians 4:15; Jude 3).

Scripture Reference List

• Isaiah 5:20 — Warning against moral reversal.

• Psalm 139:13–16 — God forms life in the womb.

• Jeremiah 1:4–5 — Known and appointed before birth.

• Luke 1:39–44 — The unborn child called a “babe.”

• Proverbs 6:16–17 — Innocent blood condemned.

• Romans 1:21–28, 32 — Consequences of rejecting God.

• 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 — Sinners washed, sanctified, justified.

• Genesis 2:20–24; Matthew 19:4–6 — God’s design for marriage.

• Malachi 2:14; Proverbs 2:17 — Marriage as covenant.

• Ephesians 4:15; Jude 3 — Speak truth in love; contend for the faith.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO